NewKerala.com

Key Points

Pakistan cricket has made a bold move by dropping star players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from their T20 squad. Salman Agha will lead a revamped team in the upcoming tri-series and Asia Cup tournaments. Young talents like Saim Ayub and Hasan Nawaz have earned call-ups after strong performances against West Indies. The PCB's surprising selections have sparked debate among cricket fans worldwide.

Key Points: Salman Agha Named Pakistan Captain as Babar Rizwan Dropped

  • Salman Agha replaces Babar Azam as Pakistan captain
  • Rizwan also dropped despite strong T20 record
  • Saim Ayub included after West Indies heroics
  • Naseem Shah omitted despite top wicket-taker status
2 min read

PCB announces 17-member squad for Tri-Series, Asia Cup; Salman Agha to lead; Babar, Rizwan dropped

PCB shocks fans by dropping Babar Azam and Rizwan, appointing Salman Agha as captain for T20I tri-series and Asia Cup.

"Babar, despite being the second-highest run scorer in T20s, has not found a place in the squad. – PCB"

Islamabad, August 17

Salman Agha has been named Pakistan's captain for the upcoming T20I tri-series and Asia Cup scheduled to take place in the UAE from 29 August to 28 September, as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 17-member squad on Sunday. Pakistan batter Babar Azam and wicketkeeper/batter Mohammad Rizwan have been dropped from the side for both series. Azam, despite being the second-highest run scorer in the shortest format, has not found a place in the squad.

Following the West Indies ODIs, where the previous captain scored only 56 runs in three games, with a high score of 47, Babar was left out.

Left-handed opener Fakhar Zaman, who suffered a hamstring injury during the T20I series against West Indies, has been named in the squad. Saim Ayub, after being the highest run scorer against the West Indies in the recently concluded T20 series, has also found a spot in the team.

All-rounder Hasan Nawaz has been rewarded for his 112 in three matches against West Indies, as he has also been included in the squad. Pacer Naseem Shah, despite being the highest wicket-taker in the West Indies series, has dropped from the side.

Shaheen Shah Afridi will lead the pace attack along with Haris Rauf, Mohammad Waseem Jnr and Salman Mirza. Abrar Ahmed will lead the spin attack along with Mohammad Nawaz, Sufyan Moqim, and Khushdil Shah.

The tri-series, featuring Afghanistan, Pakistan and the UAE, will be played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium from 29 August to 7 September.

The eight-team ACC Asia Cup T20I tournament will be staged in Abu Dhabi and Dubai from 9 to 28 September. Pakistan are placed in Group 'A' alongside India, Oman and UAE.

17-member squad: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Waseem Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Sufyan Moqim.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As an Indian cricket fan, I must say Pakistan's new squad looks interesting! Young talents like Saim Ayub could surprise us in the Asia Cup. But dropping your top scorer Babar Azam? That's bold! 😲
A
Aman W
PCB is clearly thinking long-term by giving chances to youngsters. But doing this right before major tournaments is risky. India-Pak match will be more unpredictable now! Can't wait for the Asia Cup clashes 🇮🇳🇵🇰
S
Sarah B
Respectfully, I think PCB is making a mistake. You don't drop your most experienced players before important tournaments. This could affect Pakistan's performance against strong teams like India and Afghanistan.
K
Karthik V
Exciting to see new faces! But honestly, as an Indian fan, I'm more concerned about our own team selection. Hope BCCI doesn't make similar last-minute changes before Asia Cup. Need our best XI against Pakistan! 💪
N
Nisha Z
Interesting move by PCB! Maybe they're trying to surprise opponents with new strategies. But dropping both Babar AND Rizwan? That's like India dropping Kohli and Rohit together! Too radical na? 😅

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50